Eight arrested after illegal rave near Thetford
It took police hours to shut down the event
Police have arrested eight people after an illegal rave near Thetford.
Officers were called just after 3.50am on Sunday 1 September, to reports of a large gathering at a farm in Euston.
It's though around 500-1000 people were at the event, along with 80 vehicles.
It took police until after 5pm to get control of the music equipment and fully close the event down.
They arrested eight people; one on suspicion of drug-driving, criminal damage and drug dealing, two on suspicion of drug dealing, two on suspicion of drink driving, and three on suspicion of conspiracy to commit public nuisance.
They were all taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre for further questioning.
Two vans and a car were also seized, along with various items of music and sound equipment, including five generators.
"A considerable amount of disruption"
Chief Superintendent Alice Scott said: "This event was closed down following a large policing operation and the site was cleared as quickly as we were able do so, without any significant issues.
“We deployed a number of resources to the scene including the Roads and Armed Policing Team, drone unit, dogs unit and specially trained public order officers who are experienced in dealing with this type of event.
“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to the UME (unlicensed music event) and to identify all those involved in its planning.
“Unlicensed music events like this can cause a considerable amount of disruption, causing widespread damage to the natural environment as well. As they don’t have to conform to any safety standards, they also put those who choose to attend at risk.
“I would like to thank the local community for their patience as we worked to close this UME down as quickly and safely as possible and reassure them that the matter doesn’t finish here and an investigation will continue into what has taken place.”